It has always been a debate whether playing games is good for you. Since the inception of consoles, parents have been concerned about the negative effect computer games have on their children. How to win the argument with your parents, at least getting them to let you play games is easier than you think. There is a lot of research done by the psychologist to find out the impact of games on people, particularly those who are still in school. Let’s face it, once we start working, game time will be very limited.
There are many game genres, and unfortunately these arguments don’t hold true for some games that promote violence and aggressive behavior, such as Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty. Studies have shown that violent games increase the tendency for aggressive behavior in children and adults, so those who like to play these games should limit their playing time. For the average person who likes to play, there are three good arguments.
Otherwise, positive studies have been done to show that games help people think. RPG games force people to plan and think about strategies while trying to complete missions. Without proper planning – leveling up skills, upgrading weapons, and setting up battle formations – it’s nearly impossible to win certain missions and levels. Those who played Shadow of Colossus will remember the maddening gameplay and the sense of triumph every time a monster falls.
Games have gotten smarter over time, artificial intelligence (AI) has improved so much that zombies can now run around and plan a massive attack. In Resident Evil 5, zombies are faster and can now wield weapons, instead of mindlessly crawling towards you, baring their bloody teeth. I still remember the terror I felt when Executioner Manjini jumped at me with the big axe, nails and hooks sticking out of his back. Not only do you have to plan your character’s movements, you have to anticipate what the enemy will do, which is more difficult every year.
This is true for me, at least. Gamers who play games that stimulate the mind: RPGs, puzzles, fitness, and many more tend to have good reflexes. It’s not easy looking at the screen for hidden treasures, looking at the map for potential enemies barging in at some angle, stocking up quickly before a boss fight, and not developing a level of dexterity in your mind. Workers can testify to some extent that multitasking is easier for a gaming person. I still play Dr. Kawashima’s Brain and Body Exercises on my Xbox Kinect to help keep my brain in sync with the rest of me.
We love to play, playing is fun and technology has allowed us to play with people from all over the world without leaving our room. Unfortunately, the benefits of gaming are not related to the long hours we put into it. Keeping game time at a reasonable level ensures that we have a real life outside of VR, which is important to function as a member of a community.